needlefish

[ need-l-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) nee·dle·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) nee·dle·fish·es.

1. any fish of the family Belonidae, of warm seas and coastal fresh waters, having a sharp beak and needlelike teeth.
2. a pipefish.

needlefish

/ ˈniːdəlˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any ferocious teleost fish of the family Belonidae of warm and tropical regions, having an elongated body and long toothed jaws
2. another name for pipefish

Word History and Origins

Origin of needlefish¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; needle + fish

Example Sentences

Muhammad Idul, 16, said the impact of the needlefish threw him from his fishing boat, according to reports.

From Fox News

Two needlefish jetted from the water and nearly landed in the cockpit.

From New York Times

It’s winter king salmon season now in Sitka, trollers prowling the fishing boundary as chinook fatten up on needlefish, herring and krill, in preparation for their spring journeys home to their native streams.

From Seattle Times

“We haven’t even gotten to great white sharks or saltwater crocodiles or Indonesian needlefish or—” “OK, OK,” I say, laughing and holding up my hands for him to stop.

From Literature

Rainbow are hitting on needlefish at Medicare Beach as well.

From Seattle Times